Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and risk for polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine leiomyoma, and endometriosis: A Swedish cohort study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106819
• Publication Date: 2021-08-12T16:23:20Z
• Authors: Sofia Hammarstrand; Kristina Jakobsson; Eva Andersson; Yiyi Xu; Ying Li; Matts Olovsson; Eva M Andersson
• Keywords: Uterine Fibroids

Perfluorinated substances (PFAS) are chemicals with endocrine disruptive properties that may interfere the female reproductive system. However, few studies have explored association between benign gynecological diseases and high PFAS exposure.The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations exposure subsequent diagnosis polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine leiomyoma (fibroids), endometriosis in a cohort exposed through drinking water.In 2013, levels (with sum above 10,000 ng/L), dominated by perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) perfluorohexane sulfonic (PFHxS), were found water from one two waterworks Ronneby, Sweden. The contamination came firefighting foams used at nearby airfield. Females all ages (n = 29,106) who had ever resided municipality 1985 2013 formed cohort. Individual assessed based on distribution data linked annual residential address data; 27% females lived an PFAS-contaminated water. Gynecological health outcomes retrieved Swedish National Patient Register. Cox proportional hazards model estimate each diagnosis.There 161 cases PCOS, 1,122 leiomyoma, 373 endometriosis. In women aged 20-50 years 18,503), those highest estimated increased hazard ratios (HR) for PCOS (HR 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43, 3.34) 1.28; CI 0.95, 1.74). No HR 0.74; 0.42, 1.29).Exposure associated risk possibly but not findings consistent prior reporting positive background levels.